They lived in a small rural town. Michelle was a much-loved and caring social worker who spent much of her time ensuring others were OK.

The death of their compassionate and wise daughter, sister and friend rocked the family.

With the waves of emotion after Michelle died came the questions.

Had four hospitals let one of their own employees slip through the cracks? How had her mental health collapse been missed?

The family lodged a complaint with the Health Care Complaints Commission.

Nicki's book, Precious Michelle, is a legacy to the life her sister lived and the answers her family sought. A celebration of what she stood for and championed for others.

It is also the result of a moving 8-minute documentary where Nicki speaks openly about the loss of her sister.

The book also offers hope to those left asking the same questions after losing a loved one and aims to bring hurting hearts together in a safe and supported space.

"I want to celebrate the amazing person she was," Nicki said at the Lifeline Mid Coast Out of the Shadows launch.

"I want people who are at that crisis point to just hold on."

Nicki uses her sister's journal entries to understand how Michelle's life unravelled. How the strong and determined young woman she knew ended up hurting so deeply inside.

Read more: Mum navigates life-changing grief after suicide loss

Alan Pretty, health manager for emergency, mental health and aged care, wrote an acknowledgement saying Precious Michelle highlights the difficulties in identifying suicide risks.

"This book shares the value of family and the importance of listening," Mr Pretty said.

"It challenges the deliverers of health care to reinvent and implement staff welfare programs and develop trauma informed processes."

Nicki, who has battled maternal mental illness with post-natal depression, has also penned a book Encouraging Mums with Hope.

Precious Michelle is available at Port Macquarie-Hastings Library and available for purchase at Koorong book store in Port Macquarie.

You can follow Nicki's blog and subscribe to watch Precious Michelle at www.nickijeffery.com

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